Video Editor job description template

4 steps to creating a video editor job description that fits your needs 

Now it’s time to write your own video editor job description. You’ll need to determine and define what you’re looking for in an editor, which will help you to find applicants who are a good match. These four tips will guide you through the process of creating your own job description. 

1. Determine what type of video editor you need

Video editors sometimes specialize in editing certain types of materials, like feature-length films, commercials, and music videos. Since editors may develop specialties, it’s important to find an editor who is skilled in working with the type of video that you need. 

2. Employee vs. independent contractor vs. agency

You can hire a video editor in-house, contract with one through an agency, or work with an editor who is operating as an independent contractor. Agencies sometimes contract with multiple video editors, and that can be ideal if you have large editing projects and you need lots of help. 

Hiring an editor in-house is ideal if you know that you’ll have a steady volume of ongoing work for a full-time employee. In many cases, working with a video editor who’s an independent contractor is the most flexible arrangement. It can be a great solution for both short-term and ongoing project needs. 

Worker classification can be tricky, so check out our compliance services resources page for additional information. 

3. Experience

It’s also important to consider how many years of experience your ideal video editor should have. Highly experienced video editors tend to be capable of handling large-scale projects with little training or guidance, but they also charge higher rates. An entry-level video editor might be a great fit for a smaller project, but they may need additional guidance and supervision. Your project scope and budget will help you to determine how much experience an editor will need to have. 

4. Industry 

Video editors work within different industries, and the work that they do often depends on the industry. For example, an editor who works in marketing and advertising may be skilled in telling captivating stories in 30-second commercials. That editor also likely has experience with adding graphics and charts to videos. A video editor who specializes in the film industry is more familiar with storytelling that takes place over multiple hours. That editor is also more likely to be skilled in adding special effects and music to videos. 

When you choose a video editor who’s experienced in your field, you can help to ensure that the editor is a good fit and is well-prepared for the types of work that they will be doing. Be sure to include information about your industry and the job responsibilities in the job description, so candidates who are qualified for the opportunity will apply. 

Next steps

Once you’ve written your own video editor job description, be sure to check out our list of top video editors on Upwork. Each editor’s qualifications and experience are listed, so you can quickly tell which candidates are right for you.